Dealing and Overcoming Rejection: A Guide for Authors

Rejection is an inevitable part of the writing journey, especially if you are seeking to be published. Whether you are a seasoned author or just starting out, receiving a rejection can be disheartening and demoralizing. It's easy to feel discouraged and question your worth as a writer when faced with rejection. However, rejection doesn't have to be the end of the road for your writing career. In fact, it can be a valuable opportunity for growth and learning.

Here are some tips for authors on how to deal with rejection and learn to grow from these uncomfortable moments.

Don't take it personally: Ugh, it’s the worst hearing this one, I know! But, it is important to remember that rejection is not a reflection of your worth as a writer or as a person. Read that again. Literary agents and publishers receive countless submissions and have to make tough decisions based on their own preferences, market trends, and other factors. Rejection does not necessarily mean that your writing is bad or that you are not talented. It's simply a subjective decision based on various factors that are beyond your control. So, try not to take it personally, and don't let it affect your self-esteem. Know that timing plays a critical role in success, and your timing will come.

Allow yourself to feel and process your emotions: Receiving a rejection can stir up a range of emotions, including disappointment, frustration, and sadness. It's okay to feel these emotions and allow yourself to process them. Don't suppress your feelings or try to brush them off. Instead, acknowledge them and give yourself the time and space to grieve the rejection. You can talk to a supportive friend or fellow writer, write in a journal, or engage in activities that help you cope with your emotions, such as exercising or practicing mindfulness.

Learn from the feedback: Some rejections come with feedback, while others may not. If you receive feedback, take it as an opportunity to learn and grow as a writer. Consider the feedback objectively and try to see if there are areas of improvement that you can work on. Remember that feedback is not meant to criticize or devalue your work, but rather to help you polish it and make it better. If you didn't receive any feedback, don't be afraid to reach out to the agent or publisher and ask for specific feedback. It shows your willingness to improve and your professionalism as a writer.

Revise and resubmit: After receiving a rejection and processing your emotions, you might consider revising your manuscript based on the feedback you received or your own evaluation. Remember you get to decide which feedback to incorporate to set to the side. Take a fresh look at your work with a critical eye and be willing to make changes. Revise and polish your manuscript to the best of your ability, and then consider resubmitting it to other agents or publishers. Remember that many famous authors faced rejection numerous times before finding success, so don't give up on your writing dream just because of one rejection.

Expand your options: You can explore different publishing routes, such as self-publishing or smaller independent publishers. Self-publishing has become a viable option for many authors, and it allows you to have more control over your work and its publishing timeline. You can also consider submitting your work to literary magazines or entering writing contests to gain exposure and build your writing portfolio. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different avenues to get your work out into the world.

Surround yourself with support: Dealing with rejection can be tough, but you don't have to go through it alone. Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow writers, (such as the WriteConnect Community), critique partners, or writing groups who can provide encouragement, feedback, and advice. Share your experiences and challenges with them, and you'll realize that you are not alone in facing rejection.

Remember that rejection is just an opportunity for reflection. You get to decide what you keep and what you politely leave behind. These opportunities are a great way to keep expanding as a writer.

And lastly, you are already so brave for the way that you are showing up as a writer. Your story matters and no form of rejection will ever devalue that.